Instant karma as 'thief' is tackled by tourist who puts him in a chokehold after he 'tried to steal his camera' in Barcelona

An alleged audacious pilferer encountered swift retribution after being pinned and placed in a restraint by a traveler who suspected an attempt to lift his camera. Barcelona crime alerts

Video from Barcelona’s streets depicted the alleged pilferer crying out and groaning as the traveler wrestled with him, holding him by the neck.

The alleged perpetrator could be seen struggling against the traveler and attempting to garner attention from bystanders, who remained unconcerned by his predicament.

The Encounter and Police Intervention

After some time, a pair of law enforcement officers arrived and took the suspect into custody, escorting him away and seating him against a tree.

Onlookers were heard applauding the prompt actions of both the cops and the traveler.

The City’s Crime Landscape

Barcelona is infamous for attracting thieves who target unsuspecting tourists.

The Case of Sir Ben Ainslie

Last year, Sir Ben Ainslie disclosed that he was relieved of his £16,000 Rolex at knifepoint by a Barcelona watch gang.

The British yachtsman was confronted by an armed group and robbed of his luxury timepiece, according to Spanish authorities.

The five-time Olympic medal-winning sailor was in the city to lead the UK’s INEOS Britannia team in the America’s Cup.

Sir Ben shared with The Telegraph: “‘Barcelona is a fantastic host city for the America’s Cup, and the team has felt welcomed and is enjoying our stay in this vibrant city.”

‘Like in all major cities, one can be affected by opportunistic crime, and my situation is no different. This matter is now with the local authorities.’

Retiring from SailGP to focus on the America’s Cup, he arrived in Barcelona aiming to add the prestigious title to his extensive list of sailors’ triumphs}

Sir Ben told Spanish newspaper El País: Before the competition began, he expressed his hope that Britain would have won the America’s Cup by now, adding, ‘we’ll get there.’

The Case of Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona footballer Robert Lewandowski endured a similar theft two years previous outside the Ciutat Esportiva training ground.

The watch, valued at approximately £59,000, was seized as the 36-year-old greeted fans ahead of an evening training session with Barça.

The thief reportedly opened Lewandowski’s car door and took the watch as the Polish international signed autographs before the player himself tried to pursue the thief.

Authorities swiftly detained a suspect, and Lewandowski recovered his watch.